Cats and lilies

[StuffezLaBouche]

Someone's given me a bunch of lilies (not quite in flower yet.)
After the poinsettia/kitten incident (he ripped it to shreds and began to devour it) I decided to look up lilies and cat and it turns out they are very toxic.
I have put them high up on my mantle piece where the cat does not go, but am worried that if bits fall off he might eat them .

Are they as toxic as the websites suggest, and would anyone with more knowledge than be able to advise?

[cozietoesie]

Put it in the bin right away, Stuffez. The pollen is toxic so if any gets on the ground or in the air......

[cozietoesie]

PS - yes. They're really nasty to cats. All parts of the plant are toxic.

[StuffezLaBouche]

Thanks very much Cozie - I had no idea they were so bad for them! Thank god the flowers aren't open yet. Hate binning things but not worth the risk.

[cozietoesie]

Absolutely not. (I'm assuming here that the kitten has got nowhere near them so far?)

[StuffezLaBouche]

No, he does not go onto the mantle piece. They are in the bin now and I've had a check for stray leaves. Crisis averted.

[crazynanna]

I didn't know this until I read it on here a few months ago.....so you live and learn.No lilies in my house...ever.

Another reason I love Mumsnet. I may have accidently killed my beautiful girl if it were not for this forum, as I used to buy lilies pre-kitten days.

[cozietoesie]

It's a real difficult one, crazynanna. Lilies are very showy and long-lasting blooms and are a staple in many bouquets. If you're brought a bunch of flowers including lilies by - say - a guest it's not nice to spurn it but if you have a cat you just have to - I guess you just need to do it in the nicest possible way, much the same as if you had a nut allergy and someone brought you a lovely box of peanut brittle.

Sadly, the problem is not well publicized.

And don't even go near the thought of outdoor lilies in people's gardens - if you have a cat which goes outside.

[crazynanna]

Not difficult for me,cozie.

I know it's not nice to spurn a nice gesture from someone, but I would just politely tell them why I am refusing.

My girl is part of my family, like one of my dcs. I just would never chance it.

I agree...it does need to be more publicised. People know about anti freeze...and this is something not everyone may have. But flowers...flowers are a thing most people will have in their house at some time or another.

[cozietoesie]

Good on you, nanna.

[issey6cats]

also be aware that ponsiettas are toxic to cats you were lucky he ate some of that and didnt have any harmful effects, my daughter gave me a ponsietta for christmas and i have had to put it in my bedroom where the cats are not allowed

[QuietTiger]

BIN THE LILIES BIN, BIN, BIN and just for good measure BIN THEM! Do not let them in your home. EVER.

DH & I lost our darling 4 year old cat, Frank, just before Christmas because he had been poisoned by Tiger Lilies in the neighbours garden. He died of Chronic kidney faliure - it ripped our hearts out and I wouldn't wish what Frank went through and what DH & I went through making that tough call to PTS our darling boy, on our worst enemy.

Get rid. If the people giving you the lilies are friends, they will understand.